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Control measures for wastewater treatment plants during storm flow
1Institute of Environmental Engineering, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany.
Summary
Three wastewater treatment strategies were tested to maintain high efficiency during rainfall events. These methods, including facultative aeration, bypassing primary sedimentation, and adding flocculants, proved effective in managing peak loads.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Water Treatment Technologies
- Wastewater Management
Background:
- Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) face challenges maintaining efficiency during rainfall events due to increased influent volumes and loads.
- Effective control strategies are crucial to prevent operational disruptions and ensure effluent quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of three operational measures for WWTPs during rainfall events.
- To identify control criteria for implementing these measures based on rainfall forecasts and ammonia levels.
Main Methods:
- Simulations using the Activated Sludge Model No. 1 (ASM1).
- Pilot-scale plant experiments to test operational measures.
- Criteria development using ammonia concentrations, ammonia loads, and rainfall forecasts.
Main Results:
- All three tested measures demonstrated suitability for managing peak loads during rainfall events.
- The integration of ammonia monitoring and rainfall forecasts provides a viable control strategy.
- Operational adjustments can effectively mitigate the impact of rainfall on WWTP performance.
Conclusions:
- The evaluated measures (facultative aeration, bypassing primary sedimentation, adding flocculants) are effective in maintaining WWTP efficiency during rainfall.
- A proactive control approach using predictive data is recommended for robust wastewater treatment operations.
- Further research can optimize the implementation thresholds for these measures.